I’ve always been a big fan of tower defense games. However, until pretty recently I had stuck to the web or my iOS devices to play these types of games. I recently began the search for some different tower defense-type games for the Mac and found a pretty decent variety.
This round-up features eight of the tower defense games that I enjoy. Some are traditional land-based games, others are more futuristic and some are a simpler and more accessible type of game. Read on to learn more and see which is right for you.
Traditional Land-Based
Defense Zone
The first game on the list is Defense Zone, a fairly traditional tower defense-style game. The game is land-based and you must fight enemies such as tanks and foot soldiers using missiles, lasers, bullets and more. As per traditional tower defense strategy, it is up to you to consider firepower, range and price when purchasing, placing and upgrading towers.
Price: $2.99
Requires: OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: Artem Kotov
iBomber Defense
The next game on the list is iBomber Defense. This game, set in World War II, combines the elements of a classic tower defense games with the strategic twist of the iBomber series. You can choose to play either a simple, “quick play” game or a full campaign where you battle across multiple continents as both an Allied and Axis member.
Weapons of choice include a variety of land-based weapons. The game also include a number of tools such as counter attacks and high ground advantages to truly up the strategic factors in the game. Fight over 22 levels at three difficulty levels for a great amount of challenge, and take on the final bonus missions to prove you are the master of the game.
Price: $4.99
Requires: Mac OS X 10.6 or later
Developer: Chillingo Ltd.
Treasure Defense
The final game in this category is Treasure Defense, another land-based game. Treasure Defense definitely has the simplest graphics to this point and the fewest towers, enemies and so on. That being said, it’s free and still quite fun to play. There are currently 15 maps, 3 towers and 10 enemy types. There are also episodes being added to the application in time. It’s fun and free – what more can you ask?
Price: Free
Requires: Mac OS X 10.5 or later
Developer: Vitamin Games
Space-Based and Futuristic
Unstoppable Gorg
The first game in this category is Unstoppable Gorg. This game forces you to defend the entire solar system from approaching aliens by deploying various satellites to defend the world. The game pays homage to the classic 1950′s sci-fi flicks, giving it a fun look and making the story scenes quite enjoyable. Better yet, while the game contains many elements of a traditional tower defense game, the satellites are movable, adding a whole new element to the game.
Price: $9.99
Requires: Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: Futuremark Games Studio
Starfall
Starfall is a great example of tower defense gameplay combined with futuristic elements and strategy. In this game, you can play the detailed campaign or try a single game on one of the many included maps. The weapons, enemies and available upgrades play well into the futuristic storyline. Starfall is an example of an incredibly polished game with fantastic gameplay, animation, online gameplay and much more.
Price: $4.99
Requires: Mac OS X 10.6 or later
Developer: Digital Concepts
Sentinel 3: Homeworld
Sentinel 3 continues the Sentinel saga in the fight to save humanity from the aliens. In Sentinel 3, gameplay takes place on the alien’s home planet. Try the campaign mode featuring 20 challenging levels or play a single game on one of the 14 included maps. The graphics in Sentinel 3 are quite good, making the game enjoyable to watch. Sentinel features a unique element known as the commander unit where the player is able to move and level up as the commander throughout the more traditional tower defense gameplay. Sentinel is a well-done and version of classic tower defense gameplay providing some great strategic twists.
Price: $2.99
Requires: Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: Origin 8
Casual Tower Defense Games
Jelly Defense
Up until now, the games have been pretty focused on traditional fighting and war with graphics appropriate for those themes. The last couple of games on the list are slightly more casual, featuring quirky graphics and themes. First up is Jelly Defense, a game with all of the elements of a good tower defense game, but with enemies made of jelly and a design to match. This game is great for all ages – it offers challenging levels so you won’t find yourself bored, but the levels aren’t so hard that you find yourself frustrated and stuck on a seemingly impossible level. This game is highly recommended.
Price: $4.99
Requires: Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later
Developer: Infinite Dreams, Inc.
Plants vs. Zombies
Last but not least, we have an old classic – Plants vs. Zombies. Most of you have no doubt heard of this game, and while it’s a bit different than a traditional tower defense game, it’s certainly close and fun enough to include in this roundup. You must plant fighting plants to defend your home from a variety of zombies – zombies ranging from little old men to pole vaulters and football players. This game is popular for a reason and is a great way to get the strategic elements of a tower defense game with some laughs along the way.
Price: $9.99
Requires: Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later
Developer: PopCap Games
Conclusion
Tower defense games are a popular way to while away a few minutes (or a few hours). While many of the existing tower defense games are made for the web or for mobile devices, there are definitely some gems out there for Macs.
These are just a few games I found that I thought were worth mentioning. There are many more out there, so please share your favorites in the comments below.